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Bill would ban importation of firewood

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Campers headed to Maine from other states wouldn't be allowed to bring their own firewood under a proposed law headed toward passage in the state Legislature.

Lawmakers want to protect Maine from destructive bugs that have wiped out huge swaths of trees in other states. The insects can enter the state through infested firewood.

Associated PressIn this May 21, 2009, file photo, a dead Asian longhorned beetle is seen in its adult stage, front, and in its larva stage, rear, at the state Department of Resources and Economic Development Division of Forest and Lands office in Hillsboro, N.H. Campers headed to Maine from other states wouldn't be allowed to bring their own firewood under a proposed law headed toward passage in the state Legislature.

Legislators and other state officials fear widespread infestations could harm production of lumber and maple sugar, affecting as many as 25,000 workers in Maine, while leaving ecological and visual scars on the woodlands of the nation's most heavily forested state.

They are particularly concerned about Asian longhorned beetles, which tunnel and lay eggs in maple and other hardwood trees, and emerald ash borers, which burrow into ash trees.

Rep. Jeff McCabe said his bill, which has received initial House and Senate approval, directs state forestry officials to draft rules that close Maine's border to firewood brought in by campers and sets up a mechanism to collect firewood brought into the state near the border. The law would likely cover commercial importation of firewood. It exempts wood that's kiln-dried, or treated to prevent pests.

Legislators in other states have taken similar action; New Hampshire and Vermont have approved less stringent measures.

Such a law should not come as a shock to many Maine campers, said Rick Abare, executive director of the Maine Campground Owners Association.
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